A boy trying to feed deer was terrified when they kept sniffing around his shirt.

Footage shows the youngster raising his arms as the hoofed animals surrounded him at a park in Nara, Japan.

He was shouting in alarm as the forest creatures continued to flock around him while he held some snacks.

The kid finally gave up and left the food on the fence and retreated to the side while crying on September 9.

Nara deer are wild sika deer that roam freely in Nara Park, Japan. They are considered a national treasure and are protected by law.

Although usually gentle, they can be bold and aggressive when seeking food from visitors. They are also known to bite if provoked or if food is held too close.